[irssi][] is a great [IRC][] client.  The [documentation][] is
excellent, but long, so here is my summary of critical usage.

Connect to `freenode` as `nickname`:

    $ irssi -c irc.freenode.net -n nickname

Get help:

    irc> /help
    irc> /help <command>

Join the `#phys305` channel:

    irc> /join phys305

Leave the current channel:

    irc> /part

Quit your IRC session:

    irc> /bye

Change to window `<N>` with `Meta-<N>`.  The `Esc` key is one of [a
number of ways][interface] to change windows.

Talk by typing whatever you have to say.  In a multi-user channel, it
is good practice to preface responses with the nick of the person to
whom you are responding.  This makes it easier for them to pick
relevant messages out during parallel conversations.  `irssi` makes
this easy by autocompleting nicks with `Tab`.

You can also look over the [beginner section][beginner] of the [IRC
mini-HOWTO][howto].  If you want to start a new channel, read [The New
IRC Channel Operator's Guide][op].

[irssi]: http://irssi.org/
[IRC]: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Internet_Relay_Chat
[documentation]: http://irssi.org/documentation/
[freenode]: http://freenode.net/
[interface]: http://irssi.org/documentation/startup#c2
[beginner]: http://tldp.org/HOWTO/IRC/beginners.html
[howto]: http://tldp.org/HOWTO/IRC/
[op]: http://www.irchelp.org/irchelp/changuide.html

[[!tag tags/web]]
[[!tag tags/tools]]